Control system



Dec. 14, 1937. W. R. TALIAFERRQ CONTROL SYS TEM Filed Oct. 15, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet l RIP/f u/ L off NvENToR Wi//z'am R Taim/term Sque/zce 0/ Drum Na. 66

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Dec. 14, 1937. w. R. TALAFERRo 29101380 CONTROL SYSTEM Filed OC'h. 15, 1955 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 WITNESSESz lNVENTOR ATTORNE Dec. 14, 1937. w. R. TALIAFERRO CONTROL SYSTEM 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet, 5

Filed Oct. 15,

INVENTOR Patented Dec. 14, 1937 PAT CONTROL SYSTEM William R. Talaferro,

Pittsburgh, Pa., assigncr to Westinghouse Electric & Manufacturing Company, of Pennsylvania East Pittsburgh, Pa.,

a corporation Application October 15, 1935, Serial No. 45,649

10 Claims.

W. R. Taliaferro,

' reduced.

The invention disclosed in the present application relates to improvements in the tap-changing system described in the aforesaid copending application and has for one of its objects the further simplification of the system and the reduction in the weight and cost of the apparatus utilized in the system.

Another object of the invention is to increase the number of voitage steps or notches obtainabie from a power transformer without increasing the number of taps on the transformer winding.

A further object of the invention is to reduce arcin'I of the transition Switches during the tapng operations.

Other objects of the invention will be explained fully hereinafter or will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

According to the present invention, air-operated switches are utilized for tap-changing and a pair of transition switches are provided for interrupting the power circuit. The operation of the tapchanging Switches is controlled by a rotary air valve driven by the same shaft as the sequence drum which controis the operation of the transition Switches. In order to increase the number of voltage steps or notches without increasing 'be number of taps on the transformer winding, i to reduce arcing on the transition Switches a buck and boost transformer and several vernier switch-es are utilized in connection with the main power transformer the tap-changing and transition switches. The buck and boost transformer is so connected in the power circuit that the transition switch-es have equal voltages on each side of them whenever they are required to open or close the power circuit, thereby reducing the duty imposed on the transition switches and reducing arcing across the contact members.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference may be had to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1, 2 and 3 may be combined to constitute a diagrammatic view of a control system embodying the invention;

Pigs. 4 and 5 are charts showing the sequence of operation of a portion of the apparatus shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3, and

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic View showing power circuit.

Referring to the drawings, the system shown comprises a motor lil having an armature H and a series field winding 12, and a main transformer l3 having a primary winding it and a secondary winding i. The transformer 3 is energized from a trolley conductor i through a pantograph l'l. The conductor IS may be connected to any suitable source of power, such as a power-generating station (not shown).

A plurality of tap-changing Switches 2 to 21, inclusive, are provided for increasing the voltage applied to the motor I G in a step-by-step manner well known in the art. Transition Switches A and C and an auxiliary buck and boost transformer 28 cooperate in connecting the tap-changing Switches to the motor l S. A motor cut-out switch M is provided for disconnecting the motor from the transformer I 3.

As shown, the auxiliary transformer 23 is provided with a primary winding Si and a secondary winding 32, one terminal of the motor being connected to the mid-point of the secondary winding 32. A plurality of ernier Switches E, F, G, H, and I are provided for successiveiy connecting the primary winding Si to certain of the taps on the main transformer i.

The auxiliary transformer 23 functions to increase the number of notches or voltage steps applicable to the motor lil without increasing the number of taps on the main transformer and also to reduce the duty imposed upon the transition switches A and C. The vernier swtches E to I, inclusive, are operated in sequential relation to cause the auxiliary transformer to alternately buck and. boost the voltage obtained from the main transformer, thereby increasing the number of voltage steps. In the system shown, three intermediate steps are provided for each step on the main transformer. It will be understood that the number of steps may be increased by providing additional vernier Switches. A preventive resistor or reactor is provided to permit certain of the the main vernier Switches which are not connected to a common bus to be closed at the same time.

The duty imposed upon the transition Switches A and C, which interrupt the power circuit during the tap-changing operation, is reduced by making the voltage of the secondary winding 32 of the auxiliary transformer 28 such that the voltages on each side of the transition Switches are substantially equal when the Switches open or close the power circuit. In this manner the transition Switches may be operated with reduced arcing at the contact members, thereby prolonging the life of the switch.

In the system shown, the auxiliary transformer Zihas a ratio of three to one and the primary winding El may be so connected to the secondary winding l of the main transformer that a maximum of three times the voltage between taps on the main transformer may be impressed on the primary winding tl, thereby making the voltage across the secondary winding 32 equal to the voltage between taps on the main transformer. The vernier Switches E to I, which connect the primary winding of the auxiliary transformer to the main transformer, are So operated that the voltage of the auxliary transformer changes from maximum buck to maximum boost during each step on the main transformer.

ASSuming that the voltage between taps l and 2, 2 and 3, etc., is 7 volts and that the voltage from G to l is 150 volts; the voltage of the secondary winding 32 changes from '75 volts buck to '75 volts boost for each step on the main transformer. Thus, if Switches i, E, F and A are closed, the voltage applied to the motor i!! is the voltage from to l less one half of the voltage from i to Z, since the motor is connected to the midpoint of the' winding 32, or 150 volts minus 371/2 volts which 'equals 1121/2 volts. When switch E is opened and G is closed, 25 volts are added, opening F and closing I-I adds 25 volts more, and openingG and closing I adds another 25 volts, raising the motor voltage to 1871/2. The voltage at tap 2 is 225, but the voltage from the midpoint of the winding 32, where the motor ili is connected, to the end of the winding where the switch C is connected, is 371/2 volts which added to the motor voltage of 1871/2 equals 225 volts. Therefore, if switch 22 is closed, the voltage at one side of the switch C is 225 and the voltage at the other side is also 225, since these Voltages are equal and opposite, the switch C can be closed eoV with nc change in voltage and Switches 22 and C are then in parallel with Switches 2! and A, each pair carrying half of the load current. Switch A can then be opened, followed by switch 2 i, transferring all of the load to Switches 22 and C. However, there is no difference in potential to maintain an arc when switch A is opened.

The vernier switches are now operated in the reverse order, again raising the motor voltage in three 25 volt steps and also making the voltage on the load side of Switch A equal to the voltage of tap 3, which permits switch A to be closed without any disturbance after switch 275 is closed. In like manner, the sequence is continued until the last tap-changing switch 2? is closed.

As explained hereinbefore, the control system is so designed that the tap-changing Switches do Vnot interrupt the power circuit through the motor IE, the transition Switches A and C being utilized for that purpose. The tap-changing Switches may be operated by air or other suitable fluid pressure. As shown, the moving contact mem- Vof the tap-changing switches and the transition Switches is so controlled that the tap-changing Switches can only close or open when the power circuits to which the respective tap-changing switches are connected are either open or carrying no current.

The rota-ry air valve is provided with an" inlet cavity 39 and an exhaust cavity (it. The pressure fluid is admitted to the valve through a pipe 4! and exhausted through a pipe d2. As the valve is rotatcd, the inlet cavity 3% alternately covers one and then two ports to which pipes leading to the tap-changing switch cylinders are connected while the exhaust cavity f-El covers the remaining ports, thereby operating the tap-changing Switches 25 to 2? in a definite sequence. An electrically-operated fluid valve 43 controls the flow of air from an air reservoir M to the rotary valve 3?.

The valve 3? and the sequence drum 38 are rotated in one direction by a notching device 45 similar to the device fully described in Patent No. 1,987,799, issued January 15, 1935 to L. G. Riley. Briefly, the notching device d5 comprises a piston d5 disposed in a cylinder di, a rack 58 which is geared to the shaft of the sequence drumfsS, an electromagnet a trigger iii actuated by the lmagnet fit and an electrically operated fluid valve 52 for controlling the admission of a pressure fluid to the cylinder lil. The electromagnet 49 and the trigger Sl are carried by the piston @6 and the trigger is disposed to engage the rack 48 to advance it one notch for each stroke of the piston Lid.

A similar notching device 53 is provided for rotating the valve tl' and the drum 38 in the opposite direction. The notching device 53 comprises a piston 5d disposed in a cylinder 55, a rack 553, an electromagnet 5?, a trigger 58 and a fluid valve 59. i

The operation of the notching devices 45 and 53 may be manually ,controlled by a master controller fit of the drum type. The controller shown has ve positions, an off'i, lower, lower hold, raise hold and raise position. In the raise position of the controller 69, the voltage on the traction motor is increased one Step at a time until the Vmaximum is reached. If the controller handle is placed in either one of the hold positions, the nctc-hing device stops. Further advance is obtained by again placing the handle in the raise position, or the voltage can be lowered by placing the handle in the lower position. When the controller handle is in the off position, all power is removed from the motor lil and the sequence drum 38 must be returned to the full off position by the notching device 53 before power can be re-applied.

It will be seen that the tap-changing switches 29, 23, 25 and El are connected to a bus @I and the tap-changing Switches 22, 24 vand 26 are connected to another bus 52. The buses 6! and 62 are connected to the secondary winding 32 of the transformer 28 by the transition Switches A and f' the master controller` 66 C, respectively; The motor lfl'isconnected to the'mid-'point ofthe winding 32, as previously explained.

The actuating coil 63 of a protective relay 64 is connected between the buses 61 and 62. The function of the relay 64 is to stop the advancement or retraction of the sequence drum 38 in case both buses 61 and 62 are energized when only one should be energized and to stop the drum in case only one bus is energized when both should be energized, also to stop the drum in the event that line power fails.

A battery 65, or other reliable source of power may be utilized to provide energy for operating the control apparatus in the system.

The transition switches A and C are provided with protective interlocks which cooperate with the relay 64 to insure the proper operation of the various switches. These interlocks are connected to prevent the operation of the notching engine 45 if the Switches do not follow the normal sequence of operation. If desired, certain of the tap-changing Switches may be mechanically interlocked with each other as an additional safeguard against improper operation of the switches.

The operation of the vernier Switches E, F, G, H and I is controlled by a second sequence drum 66 which is rotated in one direction by a notchng device 61 and in the opposite direction by a similar notching device 68. The notching device 61 comprises a piston 11 disposed in a cylinder 12, a rack 13, an electromagnet 14, a trigger 15 and a fluid valve 16. Likewise, the notching device 68 comprises a piston 11 disposed in a cylinder 18, a rack 19, an electromagnet 81, a trigger 82 and a fiuid valve 83.

As explained hereinbefore, the vernier switches are closed in sequential relation to vary the voltage of the auxiliary transformer 28 during each step on the main transformer 13. Thus Switches E to I are closed after tap-changing switch 21 is closed, Switches I to E are closed after tapchanging switch 22 is closed and so on during the progression of the system. The operation of the sequence drum 66 is controlled by the sequence drum 38.

In order that the functioning of the foregoing apparatus may be more clearly understood, the operation of the system Will now be described in detail. Assuming that it is desired to connect the motor 16 to the power source and to gradually increase the voltage applied to the motor in order to accelerate the vehicle propelled by the motor, is actuated to the raise position, thereby energizing the actuating coils of the switch M and the air valve 43. The energizing circuit for the actuating coil of the switch M may be traced from the positive terminal Vof the battery 65. through conductors 85 and 86, contact fingers 81 and 88-bridged by contact segment 89 on the master controller fl--conductor 91, contact members 92 of an air pressure relay 33, conductors 94 and 95, contact fingers 96 and 91-bridged by a segment 98 on the sequence drum 38-conductors 99 and 101, actuating coil 102 of the switch M, and conductors 163 and 104 to the negative terminal of the battery 65. The energizing circuit for the actuating coil of the air valve 43 extends from the previously energized conductor 96 through conductor 165, actuating coil 1436 of the air valve 43 and conductors 101, 1113 and 164 to the battery 65.

A holding circuit for the actuating coils of the switch M and the air valve 43 is established by the Vclosing ofthe switchA M. The holding circuit for the coil of the switch M may be traced from the previously energized conductor through an interlock 108 on the switch M, conductors 99 and 101, the actuating coil 102 and thence to the battery 65 through the circuit previously traced. The holding circuit for the actuating coil of the valve 43 extends from conductor 65 through the interlock 166 to the conductor 99, and thence to the actuating coil 106 through the circuit previously traced.

Since the sequence drum 38 is in the off position, the electromagnet 49, which actuates the trigger 51 on the notching device 45, is energized through a circuit which may be traced from a contact finger 169, which engages the segment 89 on the controller 60, conductors 111 and 112, contact fingers 113 and 1 Ili-bridged by a segment 115 on the sequence drum 38-conductor 116, contact member 111 on the relay 64, conductor 118, contact fingers 119 and 121- bridged by segment 122 on the sequence drum 66- conductors 123 and 124, contact fingers 125 and 126- bridged by segment 121 on the sequence drum 38-conductors 128 and 129, the energizing coil of the electromagnet 49, conductors 131, 132 and 163, contact members 134 on the notching device 45, conductor 135, contact members 136 on the notching device 53, and conductors 163 and 166 to the negative terminal of the battery 65.

The energization of the electromagnet 43 causes the trigger 51 to engage the rack'48 and also establishes an energizing circuit for the actuating coii of the magnet valve 52. This circuit may be traced from the positive terminal of the battery 65 through conductor 85, contact members 131 on the electromagnet 49, conductor 138, the actuating coil 139 of the magnet valve 52 to conductor 132, and thence through a circuit previously traced to the negative terminal of the battery 65.

The energization of the actuating coil of the magnet valve 52 operates the valve to admit air to the cylinder 41, thereby actuating the piston 46 to advance the sequence drum 38 one notch and also rotate the rotary valve 31 which is driven by the same shaft as the sequence drum, as explained hereinbefore. The rotation of the valve 31 admits air to a pipe 141, which is connected to the cylinder 36 of the tap-changing switch 21, thereby actuating the piston 34 to close the switch 21.

It will be noted that contact segments provided on the sequence drum tact fingers iS and Ma i ereby maintaining the energization of the elf.U :omagnet fii) and the magnet valve 52 to carry the sequence drum from one position to the next. The contact fingers 143 and EM are connected parallel to the contact members $34, which are opened when the piston 66 hears the end of its stroke.

The interruption of 'he circuit through the contact members 134 deenergizes the electromagnet iii-land the magnet valve 52, thereby causing the piston to be retrieved in the cylinder 41. The retrieving of the piston 46 permits the contact members 134 to reclose, thereby reenergizing the electromagnet fii! and the magnet valve 52 which causes the notching device 45 to repeat another stroke, and actuate the sequence drum 68 to position 2.

The operation of the sequence drum to position 2 energizes the actuating coil of the transition switch A, thereby completing the connecting of the motor 16 to the transformer 15. The enerare 38 to bridge congizing circuit for the actuating coil of the switch A may be 'traced from the previously energized i conductor 35 through contact fingers 96 and Ili5 bridged by the segment 98, conductor l46, the actuating coil lli'l of the switch A and conductors l63 and lili to the negative terminal of the battery 66.

The power circuit through the motor If! may be traced from a tap I on the secondary winding i5 of the transformer I3 through the contact members of the tap-changing switch 2l, bus 6l, contact member 9133 on the switch A, conductor l49, a part of the secondary winding 32 of the auxiliary transformer 28, the armature Winding H and series feld winding i2 of the motor Ill, conductor l5l, the contact members of the switch M and conductorl52 to the 0 tap of the transformer 13. v

At this time, the vernier Switches E and F are closed, thereby energizing the primary winding 3! of the auxiliary transformer 28 to cause this transformer to reduce the voltage applied to the motor Hi in the manner explained hereinbefore. The energzing circuit for the actuating coil of the switch E may be traced from the previously energized conductor 55 through contact fingers l53 and I bridged by a segment l55 on the sequence drum 66, conductor iii,V the actuating coil 151 of the switch E, conductor I58, an interlock 559 on the switch G, conductor l6l, interlock 162 on the switch I and conductors N53, I3 and IM to the negative terminal of the battery 65. The circuit for the actuating coil of the switch F eX- tends from a contact finger l83 through conductor ii, the actuating coil 185 of the switch F, conductor l86, an interlock IST and conductors 188 and i63 to the negative conductor N13.

It will be noted that the circuit through the contact fingers i25 and 126 on the sequence drum 33 is interrupted when the drum reaches position 2. However, at this time, the switch A is closed andV the switch C is opened, thereby establishing a circuit from conductor l23 through interlocks i and N55 Von the Switches A and C, respectively, to conductor I2B. In this manner, the energizing circuit for the electromagnet 49 is reestablished, thereby causing the notching device 6.5 to operate the sequence drum 38 to position 3, where the circuit through the contact finger i M on the sequence drum 38 is interrupted.

The advancement of the sequence drum 38 to position 3 causes the rotary valve 31 to admit air to a pipe N56 which is connected to the cylinderof the switch 22, thereby causing the contact members of this switch to connect the tap 2 of the transformer i3 to the bus 62.

At this time, a circuit is established for the energizing coil of the electromagnet 14 of the notching device 6? for the sequence drum 66. This circuit may be traced from the previously energized conductor lil through contact fingers lfil and lS-bridged by segment MiS-conductors I'H and 512, the energizing coil of the electromagnet 16., conductors HS and I'M, contact members 'i'i on the notching device 61, conductor 6, contact members i'l'! on the notching device 68, and conductor lit to the negative conductor Ii.

The energization of the electromagnet 'M causes* the trieger 15 to engage the rack 13 and also establishes an energizing circuit for the actuating coil of the magnet valve '56. This circuit may be traced from the positive conductor through conductor 86, actuating coil HS of the magnet valve 16, conductor lBl, contact members l82 on thereby increasing the voltage applied to theV motor Hi in the manner hereinbefore explained. The energizing circuit for the actuating coil of the switch G may be traced from contact finger l9l, which engages the segment N55 of the sequence drum 66, through conductor 592, interlock l93 on the switch E, conductor iM, actuating coil l of the switch G, conductor I36, an interlock IQ'I on the switch I and conductor 963 to the negative conductor i,

As explained hereinbefore, the contact members l'l5 on the notching device l are opened at the end of each strokeV to deenergize the electromagnet 'Id and permit the piston li to be retrieved.V However, contact segments I98 are provided on the sequence drum to insure the completion of each notoh. i

The notching device 6'5 operates in the foregoing manner to advance the sequenceV drum 66 to positions 3 and 6,-thereby energizing the actuating coils of the vernier Switches I-I and I in sequential relation. The circuit through the actuating coil of the switch H may be traced from a contact finger 26l on theV sequence drum 66,

conductor 204, the Vactuating coil 265 of the switch H, conductor 266, and conductor N53 to the 'negative conductor N33. The circuit for the actuating coil of the switch I eXtends from the contact finger 26'!- through conductor 266, an interlock 209 on the switch E, conductor 258, interlock 2l2 on the switch G, conductor 2l3, actuating coil 2l4 of the switch I, and conductor I63 to the negative conductor EBS.

The sequence drum 66 stops on position (i, thereby reestablishing the energizing circuit for the electromagnet 69 on the notching device 45. This circuit may be traced from a contact finger 2l5, which engages the segment ii on the sequence drum 38, through conductor 2l6, contact member 2I'l on the relay 66, which is in its uppermost position at this time since Switches Zi and 22 are both closed to energize the buses 6! and 62, conductor 2l8, contact fingers 2i9 and I ZI-bridged by a segment 22! on the sequence drum 66 to conductor l23 and thence to the ener- The opening of the switch A and closing of J the switch C transfers the circuit from the interlocks l64 and l65 to interlocks 225 and 226 on the Switches A and C, respectively, thereby reenergizing the electromagnet 69 which causes the notching device e5 to advance the sequence drum 38 to position 5.

ini Uu As shown in the sequence chart in Fig. li, the tap-changing switch 2I is permitted to open when the sequence drum 38 is actuated to position 5. The opening of the switch 2! permits the relay 64 to drop to its lower-most position, thereby reestablishing the energizing circuit for thetrigger magnet 139 of the notching device dt. This circuit may be traced'from a contact finger 221 on the sequence drum 38, conductor 223, co-ntaot member 229 on the relay 6d to conductor 212 thence to the electromagnet lis through a circuit previously traced.

In this manner, the sequence drum is actur ated to position 6, at which time the'tap-changing switch 23 is closed. The closing of the tapchanging switch 23 again energizes the relay Gfi, which is raised to its uppermost position, thereby interrupting the energizing circu for the electromagnet 49, and the sequence drum is held on position 6 while the notching device actuates the sequence drum 55 from position .fi to position I, thereby closing the vernier switches I to E to gradually increase the voltage applied to the motor IB as hereinbefore explained. The energizing circuit for the coil of the electromagnet 8I on the notching device may be traced from the previously energized conductor ill through contact fingers *i'i 23i-bridged by a segment 232 on the sequenoe'drum conductors 233, 234 and 2i'i5, the coil of the electromagnet 8I, and conductor 233 to the conductor l14 and thence to the negative conductor' I03 through a circuit previously traced.

The energization of .the electromagnet Si causes the trigger 82 to engage the rack 15 and also establishes an energizing circuit for the actuating coil of the magnet valve 83. Thiscircuit may be traced from the positive conductor 85 through conductors 38% and contact members 238 on the electromagnet 81, conductor 239, the actuating coil 24I of the magnet valve 33 to the conductor I14 and thence to the negative conductor I03 as previously traced.

The operation of the magnet valve admits air pressure to the cylinder and the notching device 68 retrieves the sequence drum step hystep in a manner similar to the advancement of the drum by the notching device d1.

When the sequence drum 65 is retrieved to position I, the energizing circuit for the electromagnet 49 on the notching device is reestablished, thereby causing the sequence drum to be advanced to position 1. The circuit for the electromagnet 49 may be traced from contact finger 242 on the sequence drum 38, conductor 243, a contact member 2414 on the relay to, which is now in its uppermost position since switches 22 and 23 are both closed, and conductor 2fl`i to 'the conductor I I8 and thence through a circuit previously traced for electromagnet 49.

When the sequence drum is actuated to position 1, the transition switch C is opened and the switch A closed in the manner hereinloefore explained. The notching device 45 then repeats another stroke, actuating the sequence drum 38 to position 8 where the tap-'changing switch 22 is permitted to open, as indicated on the sequence chart in Fig. 4. The notching device then advances the sequence drum 39 to position 9, the energizing circuit for the electromagn-et 49 being transferred to conductor il 15 and through contact member II1 on the relay 6d, which is now in its lowermost position, and thence through a circuit previously traced to the electromagnet 49.

When the sequence drum 38 is advanced to position 9, the tap-changing switch 24 is closed, and the relay 64 is actuated to its uppermost position, thereby interrupting the energizing circuit for the electromagnet 49 and the sequence drum 38 is held on position 9 while the sequence drum 65 is actuated from position I to position t to close the vernier switches E to I in the manner hereinbefore explained.

The fora-going sequence of operation of the sequence drums 33 and 85 is carried on until the tap-changing' switch 21 is closed to apply maximum voltage to the motor ID, provided the master controller Go is held in the raise position.

if it is desired to stop the progression of the controly system at any time, the master conmay be actuated to the raise hold lower hold position, thereby deenergizing the elcctromagnet d9 on the notching device 45 and the electromagnet 14 on the notching device il. It will be noted that carry-over contact segments are provided on the sequence drum Go to insure the completion of any step of the drum 65 that may be in progress when the controller' 59 is moved to the raise hold" position by maintaining the energizing circuit for the electromagnet 14- of the notching device 61. This circuit may be traced from a contact finger 241, hich engages a segment 2438 on the controller through conductor 249, contact fingers 25I and 252 on the sequence drum 55 to conductor ili and thence through a circuit previously traced for the energizing coil of the electromagnet As previously explained, the sequence drum .is so ccnstructed that it is always actuated from one full notch to the next full notch higher or lower depending on the hold position selected and will not stop between positions.

In case it is desired to lower plied to the motor I, the master controller 60 may be actuated to the lower position, thereby energizing the eiectromagnet 51 on the notching device 53, which returns the sequence drum towards the .'oif position step-by-step in the same manner as the notching device 45 advances the drum. The energizing circuit for the electromagnet ii? may be traced from a contact finger 253 on the master controller Gil, conductors -fl and '255, to contact finger 259 and thence one of the contact ngers 256, 251, 258 or 259, which engages a segment 260, on the sequence drum 38, and conductor 26I, 262, 263 or 284, then through one of the contact members 256, 251 or 2523 on the relay 64, depending upon the position of the relay, either by conductor 2159, and contact fingers 21I and 212 bridged by a contact segment 213 on the sequence drum t-or through conductor 214 and contact fingers 215 and 212, which may be bridged by a segment 216 on the sequence drum @5, to conductor 211, either interlocks 218 and 219 on the switches A and C, respectively, or interlocks 281 and 282 on the switches, depending upon the relative positions of the switches, conductor 233, the energizing coil of the electromagnet 51, conductor 28:2, conductors I 32 and 533, contact members I34, conductor I35, and contact member I3 to the negative conductor itS.

The closing of contact members the voltage ap- 285 by the electromagnet Ti establishes a circuit for the actuating coil of the magnet valve 59, thereby admitting 'air to the cylinder 55 to operate the piston 54 to cause the notching device 53 to retrieve the sequence drum 38 in the manner previously described. The energizing circuit for the magnet valve 53 may be traced from the positive terminal of the battery 65 through conductor 286, the actuating coil 281 of themagnet valve 53, conductor 288, contact members 285, 'conductor `l32 and thence to the negative conductor N33 through a circuit previously traced.

In the event that the sequence drum 66 is on position 2 or 3, when the master controller is actuated to'the lower position, one of the i notching devices 6'5 or 68, depending upon which ldirection the drum 66 is being moved at the time, returns the drum 66 to either position I or position 4, whereupon the drum 38 is actuated towards the oi position in the manner described in the preceding paragraphs. As explained hereinbefore, the drum 66 is rotated only when thedrum 38 is on positions 3, 6, 9, l2,fl5 or IB, and it is necessary for the drum 66 to be either on position l or position 4 before the drum 38 can be rotated.

The notching devices 61 and 68 rotate the sequence drum 66 to operate the vernier switches E to I, inclusive during the lowering sequence in the same manner as during the raising of the voltage applied to the motor lil. A series of contact segments Zl and 292 are provided on the sequence drum- 38 to bridge contact fingers 393 and 235: or 293 and 295, respectively, to operate the nctcliing devices 61 and 68 in the manner hereinbef re explained.

The sequence drums 38 and 66 may be retained on any position during the lowering operation by actuating the controller to the lower hold or raise hold position, thereby deenergizing the notching devices for the sequence drums. VCarry-over contact sgments 296 are provided on the sequence' drum 65 Vto maintain the energizing circuit for the electromagnet 8l to insure that the sequence drum 66 does not stop between positions. This circuit may be traced from a contact finger 29'! on the controller 60 through conductor 298 and contact fingers 299 and .Bill to conductor'234 and thence through a circuit previously traced for the energizing coil on the electrcmagnet Bi.

If the master controller 60 is actuated to the off position at any time during the operation of the control system, transition switches A and C, motor cut-out switch M and the vernier switches E to I, inclusive, are opened, and the air valve 43 is closed at once, thereby removing all power from the traction motor IO, and the sequence drum 38 must be returned to the off position before power can be reapplied to the motor. Contact fingers 302 and 303, which engage acontact segment 364 on the master controller 66, are provided for energizing the lowering notching devices 53 and 63, respectively, to return the sequence drums 38 and 66 to the off position. As shown, contact finger 363 is connected-to conductor 235, which energizes the electromagnet Sl of the notching device 68, and contact finger 302 is connected to conductor 283 by conductor 365, thereby energizing the electromagnet 51 on the notching device 53.

Inorder to simplify the drawings and description, only a small number of tap-changing switches and vernier switches has been shown. It will be understoodthat the number of taps on the main transformer may be increased, if desired, and furthermore, that the number of voltagesteps obtainable may be still Vfurther increased without increasing the number of taps by utilizing more vernier switches, thereby increasing the number of voltage steps obtained for each tap on the main transformer.

From the foregoing description, it is apparent that I have provided a control systemsuitable for controlling the operation of electrically propelled vehicles which will provide a large number of voltage steps for a comparatively small number of taps on the power transformer, thereby improving the smoothness of operation and per'- formance of the vehicle without greatly increasing the cost of the equipment. It is also evident that I have provided a system which will reduce the duty imposed upon the switching apparatus of the system, thereby prolonging the life of the apparatus.

Since numerous Vchanges may be made in the above described construction and different embodiments of the invention may be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

I claim as my invention:

1. In a tap-changing system, in combination, a main transformer, a plurality of switches for changing taps on said transformer to vary the voltage on a power circuit, transition switches cooperating with the tap-changing switches to prevent them from opening and closing the power circuit, an auxiliary transformer khaving its primary winding energized from the main transformer and its secondary winding associated with the transition switches for controlling the voltage across said transition switches and control means for preventing the simultaneous operation of thetap-changing and the transition switches.

2. In a tap-changing system, in combination, a main transformer, a plurality of switches for changing taps on said transformer to vary the voltage on a power circuit, transition switches cooperating with the tap-changing switches to prevent them from opening and closing the power circuit, an auxiliary transformer having its primary winding energized from the main transformer and its secondary Awinding associated with the transition switches for controlling the voltage across said transition switches, means for varying the voltage of the auxiliary transformer, and control means for preventing the simultaneous operation of the tap-changing and the transition switches.

3. In a tap-changing system, in combination, a main transformer, a plurality of switches for changing taps on said transformer to vary the 'voltage on a power circuit, transition switches cocperating with the tap-changing switches to prevent them from opening and closing the power circuit, an auxiliary transformer having its secondarywinding associated with the transition switches for controlling the voltage across said transition switches, means for connecting the primary winding of the auxiliary transformer to successive taps on the main transformer to vary the voltage of the auxiliary transformer, and control means for preventing the simultaneous operation of the tap-changing and ,the transition switches.

4. In a tap-changing system, in combination, a main transformer, a plurality of switches for changing taps on said transformer, transition switches for connecting the tap-changing nik Switches to a power circuit to prevent them from opening and closing the power circuit, an auxiliary transformer having its secondary winding associated with the transition Switches for controlling the voltage across said transition Switches, a plurality of Switches for connecting the primary winding of the auxiliary transformer to Successive taps on the main transformer to vary the voltage of the secondary winding of the auxiliary transformer, and control means for preventing the simultaneous operation of the tap-changing and the transition Switches.

5. in a tap-changing system, in combination, a main transfcrmer, a plurality of Switches for changing taps on said transformer, transition Switches for connecting the tap-changing Switches to a power circuit to prevent them from opening and closing the power circuit, an auxiliary transformer havine its secondary winding associated with the transition Switches for controlling the voltage across Said transition Switches, a plurality of Switches for so connecting the primary winding of the auxiliary transformer to successive taps on the main transformer that the auxiliary transfcrmer alternately bucks and booStS the voltage applied to the power circuit, and control means 1 'eventing the simultaneous operation of the tap-changing and the transition Switches.

6. In a tap-changing System, in combination, a main transfcrmer, a plurality of Switches for changing taL s on said transformer, transition Switches for connecting the tap-changing Switches to a power circuit, control means for controlling the operation of Said Switches to prevent the tapchanging Switches from opening and closing the power circuit, an auin'liary transformer having itS primary winding energized from the main transforiner its Secondary winding associated with the transition Switches for controlling the voltage across Said transition Switches, and control means or preventing the simultaneous operation of the apr-changing and the transition Switches.

7. In a tap-changing System, in combination, a main transformer, a plurality of Switches for changing taps on transformer, transition Switches for connecting the tap-changing Switches to a power circuit, control means for controlling the operation of Said Switches to prevent the tapchanging Switches from opening the power circuit, an auxiliary transformer associated with the transition Switches for controlling the voltage across said transition Switches, and a plurality of Switches for So connecting the auxiliary transformer to Successive taps on the main transformer that the auxiliary transformer alternately bucks and booSts the voltage obtained from the main transformer.

8. In a tap-changing System, in combination, a main transformer, a plurality of Switches for changing taps on said transformer, transition Switches for connecting the tap-changing Switches to a power circuit, control means for controlling the operation of said Switches to prevent the tapchanging Switches from opening the power circuit, an auxiliary transformer associated with the transition Switches for controlling the voltage across said transition Switches, a plurality of Switches for so connecting the auxiliary transformer to Successive taps on the main transformer that the auxiliary transformer alternately bucks and boosts the voltage obtained from the main transformer, and control means cooperating with Said firSt-named control means to control the operation of said last-named Switches.

9. In a tap-changing System, in combination, a main transformer, a plurality of Switches for changing taps on said transformer, an auxiliary transformer having a primary winding and a Secondary winding, a power circuit connected between said secondary winding and the main transformer, transition Switches for connecting the tap-changing Switches to Said Secondary winding, means for connecting Said primary winding 'fo transformer to vary the voltage of the auxiliary transformer, and control means for preventing the simultaneous operation of the tap-changing and the transition Switches.

10. In a tap-changing system, in combination, a main transformer, a changing taps on said transformer, an auxiliarv transformer having a primary winding and a Secondary winding, a power circuit connected between said secondary winding and the main transformer, transition Switches for connecting the tap-changing Switches to said winding, and a plurality of Switches for so connecting Said primary winding to successive taps on the main transformer that the auxiliary transformer alternately bucks and boosts the voltage applied to the power circuit.

WILLIAM R. TALIAFERRO.

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